Register Now

In order to be able to post messages on the SailNet Community forums, you must first register. Please enter your desired user name, your email address and other required details in the form below.Please note: After entering 3 characters a list of Usernames already in use will appear and the list will disappear once a valid Username is entered.

User Name:

Password

Please enter a password for your user account. Note that passwords are case-sensitive.

Password:

Confirm Password:

Email Address

Please enter a valid email address for yourself.

Email Address:

OR

Log-in

User Name

Password

Remember Me?

Human Verification

In order to verify that you are a human and not a spam bot, please enter the answer into the following box below based on the instructions contained in the graphic.

Additional Options

Miscellaneous Options

Automatically parse links in text

Automatically embed media (requires automatic parsing of links in text to be on).

Automatically retrieve titles from external links

Click here to view the posting rules you are bound to when clicking the'Submit Reply' button below

Topic Review (Newest First)

06-02-2011 07:14 PM

GreymatterPG

Helmet

I racen offshore trimarans and when it is over 20knt of breeze and we run with over 20knt of speed I always wear a bmx helmet and my goggles (most of the problem i have is in heavy breeze gotta go up the mast and get banged arround quiete a but)

PS never wear it for cruising so gotta get the feeling so u can tell when the boom is comming over without even have to look at it

03-21-2010 02:33 PM

flyingwelshman

Here's what I'm thinking about - the ultimate in sailing protection (may have some rust issues in salt water....):

03-21-2010 10:42 AM

PeterSailer

I know that some racers use crash helmits when there in the cabine in bad condition, and to climb up the mast.
From what I read it has already safe lives...

THat's cause leadmines are just too slow to have really spectacular crashes...

03-21-2010 08:10 AM

bljones

There are some real advantages to full face helmets, from a racing standpoint.
1. More surface for sponsors = more $ for beer.
2. Intimidation- if you look like the bridge crew of the Death Star, it scares the hell out of the other crews in the Wed night beercan series.
3. With the option of in-helmet audio and intercom, no one has to listen to the skipper's bad jimmy buffett mix yet again, but everybody has to listen to his orders.
4. If you are a multi-huller it may become mandatory.
Seems like all the really spectacular crashes are multi hull boats:

03-21-2010 04:22 AM

St Anna

I actually have a 'Gath' which is a surfing helmet. I have a propensity to 'crown' myself with anything solid. I also have worn a pair of goggles because of the spray. Luckily, nobody with a camera would surface from the cabin to record the goof at the helm!!

03-21-2010 12:55 AM

laser89

I thought about a motorcycle helmet but i thought it might be a bit big and get in the way on a laser.

03-09-2010 06:28 AM

Dirtboy

I wouldn't go with the kite surfing helmet because it's open face design will allow water on the inside of the visor. A proper full coverage motorcycle helmet will not only protect your head and face from just about anything that's gonna hit it on a sailboat but will also give you clear vision in a driving rain. It may be over-designed for this use but that's okay with me.

This is my foul weather helmet, my 5 year old street helmet that I replaced a few months ago. Took these when it was new.

DB

03-09-2010 04:29 AM

laser89

A Kite-surfing helmet would be perfect.

03-07-2010 06:20 AM

Dirtboy

I crewed on an Irwin 40 for several years and I became the official foul weather helmsman. Why? 'Cause I'm a fantastic helmsman! Well, that's what I thought.

The real reason is I'd always ride my motorcycle to the yacht club (parking isn't such a problem when you ride a motorcycle) and I'd store my riding suit and helmet onboard. While everyone was warm and dry down below, I was also warm and dry in the cockpit. I could see in a driving rain and I wasn't too worried about what I looked like. Who else is looking at me in a driving rain???

You can get a cheep HJC brand full coverage helmet for around a hundred dollars. Since it's designed to be used in winds over a hundred MPH it'll work fine on your boat. Get one that color matches or just plain white.

I actually carry two helmets onboard. My full coverage for use in the rain and a small open face helmet I use when diving under the boat. I've found that when working underwater it can often help to rest your head on the hull for more leverage or just to help steady your body.

If you ever get the chance to use a full coverage helmet in the rain ....... you'll be adding it to your equipment list.

DB

This thread has more than 10 replies.
Click here to review the whole thread.